Coastal Access

The Mendocino Coastline is a visual feast
and a prime spot for adventurers and romantics alike. Come to
think of it, aren't they one and the same? Some suggestions below.

Where to stay: St. Orres in Gualala
is an onion-domed fantasy right on Highway One. Nothing stuffy
here, though, just easy livin' on the coastal trail. The
food? Fantastic. (707) 884-3303. Rates are $60-$180
for a double room. The Joshua Grindle Inn in Mendocino
has ten quaint rooms, all with private bath. Breakfast here is
tops, and you can do it all again once you get home if you take
their "Mendocino Mornings" cookbook with you. The
inn is on Little Lake Road; rates are $110-$195 double
occupancy. The Whitegate Inn is every girl's dream, but
then dreamy girls do make their boys pretty happy. The seven
rooms at this splendid hostelry feature a private bath, fireplace
and color TV, while the inn's garden is a flower festival. And
yes, there is a white gate. The Whitegate Inn is right off
Ukiah Street in the Mendocino town center. Rates are $129-$249
for a double room.

Where to eat : Cafe Beaujolais has been a
destination restaurant for years, and that's still the case. Don't
leave town without a meal here. Start with the seared day boat
scallops with coconut milk and black chanterelles and continue with
the Niman Ranch veal marinated with garlic and Beaujolais herbs and
served with a port wine jus, saffron risotto and spring
vegetables. Yum! Plenty more choices, too.
Cafe Beaujolais is at 961 Ukiah Street in downtown
Mendocino. Dinner only seven nights; reservations
essential. Count on $100 for two with wine.
Mendo Burgers is also worth a visit while in Mendocino. So what
if it's a little greasy? Carnivores will be in
heaven.

What to do: The coast, both from highway level and down at
surf's side, is the main reason why you're here. Look for
signs that say "Coastal Access" and head for the
beach. It may be too cold for a swim, but with any luck, the
sun will be shining and you can engage in assorted other beach-y
pursuits (in case you're stumped, that means reading, sunning,
flying a kite or throwing the ol' frisbee.) Hiking on the many
area trails
is also good fun -- consider the Mendocino Hiking and Equestrian Trail off
Little Lake Road. Strolling around the town of Mendocino is
a blast from the past, at least if you grew up in a
certain era. The New-England like setting reeks of charm and will put a smile
on anyone's face.
Popping into Mendocino Jams and Preserves (they always have samples available)
and the Gallery Bookshop are musts; the Mendocino Hat Company is
de rigueur for a new chapeau.

A little bit more
: Be sure
to head for the grassy point at the end of
Main Street in Mendocino. It's windy, but the views are spectacular. Watch kayakers
as they try to negotiate the blowhole below. Finally, savor every twist and turn
along Highway One
from Bodega Bay (south) to Leggett (north), where Highway One meets
U.S. 101. You'll get everything from coastal views to the redwood
empire along this stretch of road.

There's a lot more to do along the Mendocino coast but you'll have to read the story to find out!